Economic modelling can and often does make a useful contribution to policy debates, but the fact that it sometimes can should not be confused with the conclusion that it always will. Economic modelling has, for many people involved in Australian policy debates, become synonymous with the process of serious policy development. Proponents of policy change...

Obama's visit to Australia gave followers of politics a rare opportunity to observe the performances of three distinct leaders in three distinct roles. The visit of a United States President is among the more exciting events Australian parliamentarians experience. This was obvious on November 17, 2011 as they gathered eagerly waiting for President Barack Obama’s...

This Background Note provides an overview of the current administration of Commonwealth Government advertising, together with some historical information. Advertising has been an activity of Australian governments ‘since their inception’, and campaign advertising (coordinated advertising activities designed to inform or influence behaviour), in one form or another, has been an element of government advertising in...

This paper provides a comprehensive set of statistical tables regarding the 2010 Federal Election. The tables contain: national, state and regional summaries; electoral division details; two-party preferred figures; and party strengths in the respective houses of the Parliament. The regional and party status classifications used in the paper are the same as those used by...

This paper provides coverage of selected procedural changes during the first year of the operation of the House of Representatives in the 43rd Parliament, together with a range of statistics relating to the work of the House. The 2010 election, held on 21 August, was called early and under the unusual circumstance of a recent...